Free Summer Fun Throughout Michigan's West Coast

It's summertime and the living is easy. Finding plenty to do this summer can also be easy on your pocketbook. Here's a sampling of summer fun throughout Michigan's West Coast.

Window shopping downtown Grand Rapids

28 Always Free Fun

1. Check out Fish Ladder Park, functional artwork allowing visitors to watch fish jump up the "ladder", Downtown Grand Rapids, late summer

2. Window shop in Grand Rapids, Saugatuck, Holland, Muskegon or Grand Haven. This may cause you to spend some money if you find that perfect gift or something special to take home with you!

3. Play in the Fountains in Rosa Parks Circle, Downtown Grand Rapids

4. Discover Outdoor Sculpture – download a tour map, Downtown Grand Rapids

5. Swing on the tire swing of the di Suvero Sculpture outside the courthouse, Downtown Grand Rapids

6. Explore the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market, Grand Rapids

7. Bike the White Pine Trail, Michigan’s longest rails-to-trail stretching almost 100 miles from Comstock Park to Cadillac.

8. Stroll along the 3.5 mile riverwalk, Downtown Grand Rapids

9. Browse the Artisan’s Market on Fulton Street

10. Watch the boats in Grand Haven and Saugatuck

11. Discover Kent County parks with walking and hiking trails. Check out maps and information online or call 336-PARK.

12. Explore the boutiques in Rockford

13. Walk the board walk, Grand Haven.

14. Enjoy the flowers at Centennial Park, Holland

15. Check out a book at the local library; Grand Rapids Public Library or Kent District Library.

16. Catch some air at the Holland Skate Park.

17. Climb the mounds in Ah-nab-awen Park, Grand Rapids

18. Explore Heritage Hill one of the country’s largest urban historic districts.

19. Play in the park outside of John Ball Zoo

20. Explore the wonders at Blandford Nature Center.

Free Music Every Weekday (21-26):

21. Jazz at the Zoo - Mondays from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, June 15- August 17.

22. Live music at Garden Park Stage, Rockford (near the Dam) - Rogue River Blues Series Concerts on Tuesdays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, June 9-July 21 and After the Blue Series - Tuesdays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, July 28-August 11

23. East Grand "Summer Concerts" are held Tuesday evenings beginning at 7:00 PM at John Collins Park, June 9-August 18.

24. Blues on the Mall/Thunder in the Park, Wednesdays in Rosa Park Circle, from June 10 – August 12

25. Lowell Showboat Sizzlin' Summer Concerts - Thursdays from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, June 11- August 20.

26. GRAM on the Green - Fridays, 5 PM- 10 PM, June 19- August 28.

27. Keep track of the WZZM-TV 13 Weather Ball, visible from both Interstate 96 and U.S. 131.

Weather Ball red, warmer weather ahead.
Weather Ball blue, cooler weather in view.
Weather Ball geen, no change foreseen.
Colors blinking bright, rain or snow in sight.

Holland Tunnel Park

28. Hit the Beach at state, county and city parks throughout Michigan’s West Coast. Most require a Pay-To-Park for vehicles, but there’s no admission to walk in. Beaches include:

Duck Lake State Park, Whitehall
Muskegon State Park, Muskegon
Pioneer Park, Muskegon
Lake Michigan Park, Muskegon
Pere Marquette Park, Muskegon
Kruse Park, Muskegon
Lake Harbor Beach, Norton Shores
PJ Hoffmaster State Park, Muskegon
Lakeside Beach, Spring Lake
North Beach, Spring Lake
Grand Haven State Park, Grand Haven
Rosy Mound Natural Area, Grand Haven
Kirk Park, West Olive
Tunnel Park, Holland
Holland State Park, Holland
Saugatuck State Park, Saugatuck
Oval Beach, Saugatuck
West Side Park, Fennville

For complete information click here.

Walk along Grand River

6 Free Special Events

Summer festivals and events abound in West Michigan offering plenty of free fun, although some events may also include activities or refreshments at a cost.

1. Festival of the Arts, Downtown Grand Rapids, June 5-7
2. Blues on the Mall/Thunder in the Park, Wednesdays in Rosa Park Circle, from June 10 – August 12
3. Reeds Lake Clothesline Art Festival, June 20
4. Muskegon Summer Celebration, June 25 – July 5
5. Fourth of July Celebrations in communities throughout West Michigan, July 4
6. Coast Guard Festival & Parade, Grand Haven, July 24 – August 2
7. Celtic Fest, Rockford, August 8
8. Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise, August 28-29
9. Annual Celebration on the Grand, September 10-12
10. Hispanic Festival, September 11-13
11. Fiesta Mexicana, September 18-20

Check out all events in the Calendar of Events.